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Sunday, 21 August 2011

Even though the current Forte/Cerato hit the South Korean market in late 2008, second-quarter of 2009 for the U.S, it seems that the next incarnation is on the horizon as Kia has started testing the new model in the U.S.

This pre-production prototype was snapped by spy photographers in Death Valley, CA, wearing a moderate amount of disguise. Departed is the Audi-inspired lines and shape of the current model, in favour for something more clinical, appearing to be an exaggerated Rio sedan.

The new Forte/Cerato will feature multilink rear suspension

whereas the current model uses a torsion-beam set up.

New design details include wraparound headlights, a front-quarter A-pillar window, and revised C-pillar. Although sitting on a new platform that's shared with the new Elantra, the newcomer seems to retain its high bootlid. Oddly, Kia seems to be testing the new Forte/Cerato will the smaller Ford Fiesta, as oppose to the larger Focus.

Although there are no interior or engine shots, the cabin will mimic the brand's larger vehicles and power is likely to come from a 1.6 GDI 4-cylinder petrol engine.